Gameday Central > California Memorial Stadium

California Memorial Stadium

Since it opened in the fall of 1923, California Memorial Stadium has produced scores of unforgettable memories for generations of Golden Bears. From the Wonder Teams of the 1920s to the Pappy Waldorf years mid-century to the current success attained under head coach Jeff Tedford, the facility has treated fans of all ages to many of the greatest moments in the history of Cal football. It stands as one of the most enduring symbols of the University of California campus, has served as a gathering point for students, alumni, faculty, staff and other supporters for nearly 90 years.

This fall, the historic building begins a new era following an extensive seismic retrofit and renovation that brings it up to modern standards for fans and student-athletes alike, creating a more enjoyable environment for the hundreds of thousands of people who visit and partake in games every year - all while maintaining the architecture and character of the celebrated stadium.

Major construction on the $321 million project got underway in December 2010, and barely 21 months later, the Golden Bears are able to call Memorial Stadium home once again.

California Memorial Stadium Renovation Team

• Architects: HNTB Architecture and STUDIOS Architecture
• Structural Engineer: Forell/Elsesser, Inc.
• General Contractor: Webcor Builders
• Project Management: UC Berkeley Capital Projects
• Project Advocate: Intercollegiate Athletics

Renovation Highlights

• Modernized fan amenities, including wider concourses and additional restrooms and concession areas on the west side.
• An extensive retrofit designed to ensure fan safety in case of a seismic event and developed through collaboration of engineers, architects and members of Cal's Seismic Review Committee.
• New wheelchair seating with better accessibility and access around the stadium.
• Restoration of the historic façade, one of the signature features of Memorial Stadium.
• Modernized public address and permanent lighting system.
• Restored flagpoles atop the stadium rim.
• State-of-the art scoreboards with enhanced video and graphics capabilities within the existing structures at the north and south ends of the stadium.
• A new 34,000-square-foot press box atop the west side.
• Endowment Seating Program area (approximately 3,000 seats) that will include chair-back seating and access to three club levels (Field Club, Stadium Club and University Club).
• Benches with backs and additional legroom in donor sections outside the ESP area.
• Replacement of all old wooden seating with aluminum benches.
• Playing surface lowered approximately four feet to improve sightlines for fans seated in lower rows.
• Expanded Hall of Fame Room that will be open to fans one hour after each home game and includes an Athletic Department timeline and plaques honoring more than 250 inductees into the Cal Athletic Hall of Fame.
• Restoration of the historic Andy Smith Bench.

Additional Information

• Feature stories on the Memorial Stadium renovation
• Artist drawings of Memorial Stadium
• Memorial Stadium history

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